Raghobadada: A Hero, a Traitor, and a Contested Legacy, Dr. Uday Kulkarni’s Book on Peshwa Bloodshed Now in Marathi
Pune, 30th June 2025: In a thought-provoking event held in Pune on Sunday, historians and scholars revisited one of the most controversial and tragic chapters in Maratha history — the murder of Narayanrao Peshwa.
The occasion was the release of the Marathi translation of the book ‘‘Raghoba: The Assassination of Narayanrao Peshwa’, translated by Dr. Vijay Bapaye from the original English version authored by Dr. Uday Kulkarni. The book, राघोबा: नारायणराव पेशव्याचा खून, was launched by veteran historian Pandurang Balkawade, who offered a deeply critical perspective on Raghunathrao Peshwa, popularly known as Raghobadada.
“After Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dharmaveer Sambhaji Maharaj continued the resistance against Aurangzeb. The Maratha Empire’s resurgence after the fall at Panipat remains a chapter of pride. But the murder of Narayanrao by his own uncle is a stain on that legacy,” said Balkawade. “Raghobadada’s act of fratricide marks a serious moral decline and remains a deep blot on his character.”
The murder of Narayanrao Peshwa in 1773 has long been debated by historians. While some view Raghobadada as a valiant military leader, others highlight his political ambition and treacherous role in orchestrating the assassination of his young nephew, allegedly by manipulating a message meant to restrain him into one that ordered his killing.
The Rise and Fall of Raghobadada
Speaking about the turbulent period that followed the Maratha defeat at Panipat, Balkawade noted, “When the very existence of the Maratha state was in question, it was Madhavrao Peshwa who steered the empire for a decade with remarkable governance. After his untimely death, the story turned grim.”
He described Raghobadada as a paradoxical figure — a warrior known for bravery, yet driven by insecurity and political ambition. “He was a talisman for the Marathas at one point, with his daring campaigns in Ahmedabad and Delhi. But his sense of being sidelined led him to sow discord between the Shinde and Holkar clans. He ensured his own political future even if it meant destabilizing the empire,” said Balkawade.
A Complicated Personality
Dr. Uday Kulkarni, whose original work formed the basis of the Marathi translation, emphasized Raghobadada’s complex persona. “He was undoubtedly a brilliant military leader — as fierce and strategic as Bajirao I. But his quick temper and unpredictable nature made him a liability in politics. His jealousy of Madhavrao, and later Narayanrao, ultimately led to a destructive path,” Kulkarni remarked.
Dr. Vijay Bapaye, who translated the book into Marathi, admitted that his own perception of Raghobadada changed after engaging with Kulkarni’s research. “Initially, I sympathized with him as a misunderstood leader. But as I read deeper, it became clear that his downfall was self-inflicted. His tendency to override royal decisions and centralize control isolated him politically and morally.”
Remembering Through Reflection
The event also featured readings from the book by Gajanan Paranjape and Amit Vaze, offering the audience a glimpse into the layered narrative that portrays both valor and vulnerability.
The program was moderated by Mohan Shete, who noted that the aim was not merely to vilify or glorify historical figures but to spark informed public dialogue. “Raghobadada’s story is a mirror to the internal struggles of power within the Maratha Empire — one that demands both scholarly analysis and moral reflection,” he said.
